Trick-or-treating will proceed as scheduled in many major Lancaster County municipalities from 6 to 8 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 30.
The date and time are based on a Lancaster Inter-Municipal Committee policy that moves trick-or-treating to the previous Friday when Halloween falls on a Saturday or Sunday.
While traditional trick-or-treating will be permitted in multiple areas, including Lancaster City, families are encouraged to consider lower-risk activities instead. More holiday safety suggestions have been provided by the Center for Disease Control.
“Those who choose to take part in traditional trick-or-treating are doing so at their own risk and should understand how to prevent the spread of COVID-19 before participating,” said Amber Strazzo, the communications manager for the Lancaster city Mayor’s Office.
Halloween Covid precautions
- Wear a cloth face covering while outside your home and around those who you do not live with.
- A costume mask is not an adequate substitute for a cloth mask unless it is made of two or more layers of breathable fabric that covers the mouth and nose and doesn’t leave gaps around the face.
- Do not wear a costume mask over a protective cloth mask. This can be dangerous if the costume mask makes it hard to breathe. Instead, consider using a Halloween-themed cloth mask.
- Maintain 6 feet or more of distance from people you do not live with, especially while talking, eating, drinking or singing.
- Avoid places where you cannot maintain 6 feet or more of distance from people you do not live with.
- Wash your hands or use sanitizer often.
- Clean frequently touched items regularly.
- If you are sick or if you have been exposed to someone who has Covid-19, stay home.
Source: Office of the Mayor, Lancaster City
Not all Lancaster County municipalities have made public statements about their Halloween activities or safety guidelines.
In addition to the usual trick-or-treating, some municipalities are sponsoring other public events for Halloween. They include the following:
- Columbia: Costume Party at Locust Street Park (6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 31)
- Ephrata: Trunk-or-Treat at Javateas (12 p.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 31 )
- Quarryville: Halloween Parade and Trunk-or-Treat at the Quarryville Fire Department ( 6 to 8 p.m. Saturday, Oct 17)
For more information about specific plans in your area, contact your local municipality or visit its website.
